Restaurateur to purchase Don Ho's Grill
By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hawai'i restaurateur Fred Livingston is buying Don Ho's Island Grill at Aloha Tower Marketplace, giving the businessman a sixth restaurant on O'ahu.
Advertiser library photo • Dec. 12, 1999
A Livingston spokeswoman said he plans to continue operating the restaurant as Don Ho's, but more information about the purchase, expected to be signed today, was not immediately available.
Entertainer Don Ho opened his Island Grill restaurant at Aloha Tower Marketplace in 1998. Fred Livingston, who owns five Hawai'i restaurants, is buying the restaurant.
Todd Hedrick, Aloha Tower Marketplace general manager, said renowned entertainer Don Ho is expected to remain an active part in the restaurant, and that Livingston will be a good owner/operator.
"We're real excited about Fred getting involved with the restaurant," Hedrick said. "He's got a great reputation with his other restaurants in town and we think he'll do well with this concept as well."
Livingston owns and operates Matteo's, Trattoria and Davey Jones Ribs in Waikiki; Crouching Lion Inn in Ka'a'awa and Sunset Grill at Restaurant Row in downtown Honolulu. He bought Sunset Grill in 1999 after the owners moved to California.
Livingston also was the former owner of the Tahitian Lanai, one of Waikiki's most popular and famed dining spots that Livingston closed amid the state's economic downturn in 1995.
Don Ho opened his surf and entertainment-themed restaurant in 1998 with Maui entertainment and dining figure Shep Gordon, and local restaurateur Barry Silverman, who is no longer a partner.
Aloha Tower Marketplace, which opened in 1994, has about 120 shops and restaurants. The marketplace has been troubled since Sept. 11, as fewer visitors arrived and heightened security measures at the harbor restricted already insufficient parking.
Marketplace owner Aloha Tower LP filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in January, citing in part a dispute with the state over ground rent and difficulty gaining approval to build additional parking and the center.
Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8065.
